Tinotenda Hove – President Emmerson Mnangagwa today officially commissioned the long-awaited Mbudzi Roundabout, now renamed the Trabablas Interchange, amid cheers from a large crowd that gathered to witness the event.

The government has touted the infrastructure project as a major milestone in improving traffic flow in southern Harare, where congestion has long plagued motorists and transport operators.

“This interchange will transform the movement of people and goods in our city,” said President Mnangagwa. “It is part of our broader vision to modernize Zimbabwe’s infrastructure and promote economic development.”

Officials say the interchange is expected to significantly reduce travel time, enhance road safety, and improve access between suburbs and industrial zones.

Despite the celebratory mood, critics and observers have raised concerns about the quality of the construction and the speed with which the project was completed.

“This project appears rushed and poorly executed,” said one civil engineer who spoke on condition of anonymity. “We’ve already seen cracks forming on some sections, and that raises serious structural concerns.”

There are also growing allegations of financial irregularities and mismanagement surrounding the project.

“There are real fears that massive looting took place under the guise of urgency,” said a Harare-based urban planner. “It’s a great concept, but the implementation smells of corruption.”

The government has dismissed these concerns, insisting that the construction met required standards and that independent inspections were carried out during the development phase.

Still, the public remains divided. While some praise the government’s effort to address infrastructure bottlenecks, others argue that transparency and accountability remain lacking.

As traffic begins to flow through the newly opened interchange, the question remains whether the Trabablas Interchange will stand the test of time—or become yet another symbol of Zimbabwe’s infrastructure struggles.